Due to the development of an atmospheric disturbance in the lower atmosphere in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, showery conditions are expected to be enhanced across the island from this evening (Oct. 20), according to the Department of Meteorology.
Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.
Heavy falls of about 100 mm are likely at some places in Northern, North-central, Central, Eastern, North-western and Uva provinces.
Showers may occur in the Northern and North-western provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.
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News
Drunk driver runs over mother and child on Chilaw–Colombo road
Published
11 hours ago
on
October 19, 2026
A car collided with two other vehicles before running over a woman and a child who were standing by the roadside in a serious accident in the Wattakkalliya area on the Chilaw–Colombo main road.
The accident occurred at around 4.30 p.m. today (19). Reports indicate that the driver was returning to his home in Baralankattuwa, Mundalama, after attending a funeral in Chilaw when the accident occurred.
The car first collided with another car travelling along the road and then crashed into a tipper truck.
The car subsequently veered off the road, ran over a mother and her child, and came to a halt after crashing into the Chilaw town signboard.
The driver involved in the accident was subjected to a medical examination, which reportedly confirmed that he had consumed alcohol.
Police also recovered bottles of alcohol, along with cups used for drinking alcohol and other beverages, from the vehicle.
The car and its driver have been taken into custody by officers of the Traffic Division of the Chilaw Police.
The injured mother and child have been admitted to the Chilaw General Hospital.
A team of police officers led by Inspector Amil Chandana, Officer-in-Charge of the Traffic Division of the Chilaw Police, is conducting further investigations.
News
President appoints expert committee to investigate Kawanthissa’s death!
Published
12 hours ago
on
October 19, 2026
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a special expert committee to investigate all aspects of the death of the elephant Kawanthissa in the Siyambalangamuwa area, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the welfare of wild elephants, and make recommendations for a national programme to protect tuskers.
The committee is chaired by former Ministry Secretary A.H. Sarath Wijesinghe.
Its other members are Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor A.G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U.K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr Jagath Gunawardena and Attorney-at-Law Charaka Jayaratne.
Presidential Additional Secretary W.W. Harrison will serve as the committee’s coordinator.
The committee has been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding Kawanthissa’s death, including its immediate and indirect causes, and determining whether any errors or negligence occurred during the treatment provided.
It will also develop standard operating procedures for wild elephant welfare and make recommendations for a national programme to protect tuskers.
The committee is authorised to obtain the assistance of both local and foreign experts in carrying out its work.
The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days. The report will include its final findings on Kawanthissa’s death, a proposed framework of standard operating procedures for wild elephant welfare, and a set of proposals for a national programme to protect tuskers.
News
Veterinarian Isuru resigns amid allegations? ‘I’m unaware of any resignation’, says Marasinghe
Published
12 hours ago
on
October 19, 2026
Dr Nihal Pushpakumara, President of the Association of Wildlife and Zoo Veterinary Officers, says Dr Isuru Hewahettige, who worked at the Nikaweratiya Veterinary Office, has submitted his letter of resignation.
He also said that elephants with two tusks were not immortal and could die after reaching a certain age.
Mr Pushpakumara further alleged that threats had been made against the veterinarian’s wife, including at their home.
Dr Isuru Hewahettige faced numerous allegations, including failing to provide proper treatment to the elephant Kawanthissa and administering an excessive dosage of medication.
Environmentalists and members of the public expressed strong opposition to the veterinarian on social media.
Some also alleged that Dr Isuru Hewahettige had deactivated his facebook account because of the allegations levelled against him and out of a sense of guilt.
It has been reported that the same veterinarian had treated the giant elephants Thekka Raja and Bhatia when they fell ill before their deaths.
‘I’m unaware of any resignation’
However, the Department of Wildlife Conservation has not officially confirmed his reported resignation.
Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe has told the media that there has been no report of Dr Isuru Hewahettige resigning.
He also said that, if a government employee wishes to resign, the employee must inform him in his capacity as the head of the institution.